509: WHY WE HAVE TO SMILE

LUKE'S POV Ariel turned to her daughter, a question in her eyes. "What is it, sweetheart?" Janice pointed at a nearby table, where a towering chocolate cake stood, its glossy frosting decorated with multicolored sprinkles. "Look, Mom! It's a cake! Can we eat it now?" Ariel laughed, the sound light and melodious. "Oh, Janice, you and your sweet tooth." She turned to the room at large. "Well, I guess it's time to celebrate, then. And there's no better way than with cake, right?" Everyone clapped and cheered, the room buzzing with excitement. "Let's cut the cake!" cried Aunt Mariam, her face beaming with delight. Ariel grinned, reaching for a nearby knife. "Alright, then. Let's do this." With a little flourish, she sliced into the decadent dessert, the rich aroma of chocolate wafting through the air. As the cake was served, the party shifted into full swing, laughter, and conversation filling every corner of the room. Tessa caught Ariel's eye. "I ha